15 div chiefs fully support Christina
KOTA KINABALU: Fifteen Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) division chiefs in Sabah have clarified their support for Datuk Christina Liew to helm the position of PKR state chief.
The 15 division chiefs, led by Putatan MP Awang Husaini Sahari, who spoke at an emergency press conference yesterday, stressed that there was nothing suspicious about Christina's appointment, as what had been alleged by the 11 other division chiefs.
"We are gathered here today to show our undivided support to the decision made by party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reappoint Datuk Christina Liew as the PKR state chief.
"The decision was made based on the majority (of votes) and the party's constitution.
"There are 15 division chiefs that had supported Christian to (continue) leading PKR Sabah," Awang Husaini said.
The 15 chiefs are from Kota Kinabalu, Pensiangan, Kota Belud, Semporna, Kota Marudu, Batu Sapi, Penampang, Kinabatangan, Putatan, Kimanis, Sipitang, Labuan, Keningau, Papar and Tuaran.
Even before Anwar's arrival in Sabah to attend a consultation among the division chiefs in the state, a courtesy call had been made to submit a memorandum - for Christina to remain as the state chief.
Awang Husaini said all the division chiefs should respect Anwar's decision.
On December 9, the division chiefs were asked to choose the state chief through a secret ballot, where they wrote down names on pieces of paper.
Based on an online report published on December 17, the remaining division leaders claimed that Christina did not get the highest number of votes.
Meanwhile, Christina said that yesterday's press conference was the last time she would ever address the issue.
Separately, on the resignation of PKR vice president and Penang chief Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Sabah has called for the former to reconsider her decision as she had received the highest number of votes (for the position of vice president during the recent party elections).
Christina revealed that Nurul Izzah had texted her on Tuesday night with the words "please take care of Sabah".